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LONG BEACH, Calif. - The UC San Diego men's crew team traveled to Long Beach on Saturday to begin the spring portion of the schedule.

UCSD faced crews from Chapman, Long Beach State, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara and San Diego State in the morning regatta.

The Tritons rowed to a win in the Varsity Lightweight 8, coming in ahead of UCI, UCSB and SDSU with a finishing time of 6:16.8. UCI was second in 6:20.1.

"I have mixed emotions about the day," said UCSD head coach Zach Johnson. "The competitive side of me was disappointed that we struggled in a regatta we have historically done well in. The coach in me, however, is extremely proud of the effort of this team. These athletes have endured a season thus far riddled with injuries and challenges and are the youngest team by far I have ever coached. They continue to work hard and push themselves every day."

UCSD produced solid race execution in its Varsity Lightweight 8 win as the Tritons quickly pushed into the middle. UC Irvine slipped back at the three-fourths mark, and UCSD took advantage, getting nearly a boat's length lead by the finish line.

The Varsity 8 (Gold) boat found itself in an exciting race early and made a move at the halfway mark to put the Tritons in position to sprint for the win. However, they came up a couple of seats short and finished second to UC Irvine by less than a second in the closest race of the day.

The Novice 8 boat had a rough start to the race as it got behind early, but found speed through the middle of the course to gain some ground. However, the Tritons were too far back to challenge and ended up placing third behind SDSU and UCI.

In the Varsity 4 (Black) race, UCSD placed two boats, finishing second and third between UCSB and Long Beach.

"We are going to have to fight for wins this year like we have never done before, but I know if they keep working like this, they are going to reach their goals," said Johnson. "We have the most solid foundation for the future I have seen in years and I am excited to work with these athletes."

The Tritons return to San Diego to take part in the San Diego City Championships on Mission Bay on Saturday, March 9.